Ajay Kumar at 16:47, 29 August 2023

2023-08-29T16:47:18Z

New page

{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Lahaul and Spiti district
| settlement_type = [[List of districts of Himachal Pradesh|District of Himachal Pradesh]]
| total_type = Total
| native_name =
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
|size = 250
|photo1a = Kardhang Biling Bhaga Dhauladhar Oct22 A7C 04645.jpg
|photo2a = NH505 Spiti Kaza Losar Jun18 D72 7800.jpg
}}
| image_caption = Bhaga valley in Lahaul (top); Spiti valley near Losar (bottom)
| image_map = Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh (India).svg
| image_map1 = {{maplink |frame=yes
|frame-width=225 |frame-height=225 |frame-align=center
|text= '''Lahaul and Spiti district'''
|type=shape |id=Q837595
|stroke-colour=#C60C30
|stroke-width=2
|title= Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh
|type2=line|id2=Q1177|stroke-width2=1|stroke-colour2=#0000ff|title2=Himachal Pradesh
}}
| map_alt =
| map_caption = Location in Himachal Pradesh
| coordinates = {{Coord|32|30|N|77|36|E|region:IN_type:adm2nd|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint = Keylong
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|}} [[Himachal Pradesh]]
| subdivision_type2 =
| subdivision_name2 =
| established_title = Established
| established_date =
| seat_type = Headquarters
| seat = [[Keylong]]
| parts_type = [[Tehsils of India|Tehsils]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 =
| area_total_km2 = 13833
| area_footnotes =
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_total = 31,564
| population_footnotes =
| population_urban = None
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Demographics
| demographics1_title1 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]]
| demographics1_info1 = 86.97% (male), 66.5% (female)
| demographics1_title2 = Sex ratio
| demographics1_info2 = 916
| leader_title =
| leader_name =
| leader_title1 =
| leader_name1 =
| leader_title2 = [[Vidhan Sabha|Vidhan Sabha constituencies]]
| leader_name2 = 01
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| registration_plate = '''HP-41, HP-42, HP-43'''
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Roads in India|Major highways]]
| blank_info_sec1 = one (Manali-Leh National Highway)
| blank_name_sec2 = Average annual precipitation
| blank_info_sec2 = Scanty rainfall
| website = https://hplahaulspiti.gov.in
}}

The '''Lahaul and Spiti district''' in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Himachal Pradesh]] consists of the two formerly separate districts of '''Lahaul''' ({{bo|t=གར་ཞ་|w=gar zha}}) and '''[[Spiti]]''' ({{bo|t=སྤི་ཏི་|w=spi ti}}; or {{bo|t=སྤྱི་ཏི|w=spyi ti}}). The present administrative center is [[Kyelang]] in Lahaul. Before the two districts were merged, [[Kardang]] was the capital of Lahaul, and [[Dhankar Gompa|Dhankar]] the capital of Spiti. The district was formed in 1960 and is the fourth least populous district in India (out of [[List of districts in India by population|640]]).<ref name="districtcensus">{{cite web |year=2011 |title=District Census Handbook: Lahaul and Spiti |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/478/download/1560/DH_2011_0203_PART_A_DCHB_LAHUL_SPITI.pdf |access-date= |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref> It is the least densely populated district of India, according to the Census of India 2011.

==Geography==
Geologically located in the [[Himalaya]]s and the [[Tibetan Plateau]], Lahaul and Spiti district is connected to [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]] through the [[Rohtang Pass]]. ''Kunzum la'' or the [[Kunzum Pass]] (altitude {{convert|4551|m|ft|abbr=on}}) is the entrance pass to the [[Spiti Valley]] from Lahaul. It is {{convert|21|km|mile|abbr=on}} from [[Chandra Tal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india9.com/i9show/Kunzum-Pass-18725.htm|title=Kunzum Pass|work=india9.com}}</ref> To the south, Spiti ends {{convert|24|km|mile|abbr=on}} from [[Tabo, Himachal Pradesh|Tabo]], at the Sumdo where the road enters [[Kinnaur district|Kinnaur]] and joins [[National Highway 5 (India)|National Highway 5]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=[[#BiblioKapadia99|Kapadia (1999)]]|title=pp. 215-216}}</ref>

Spiti is barren and difficult to cross, with an average elevation of the valley floor of {{convert|4270|m|ft|abbr=on}}. It is surrounded by lofty ranges, with the [[Spiti River]] rushing out of a gorge in the southeast to meet the [[Sutlej River]]. It is a typical mountain desert area with an average annual rainfall of only {{convert|170|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite book|last=[[#BiblioKapadia99|Kapadia (1999)]]|title=pp. 26-27}}</ref>

The district has close cultural links with [[Ngari Prefecture]] of [[Tibet Autonomous Region]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://himachalwatcher.com/2019/11/21/western-himalayan-silk-route/
|title= Kinnaur-Ngari Corridor: An Argument for The Revival of The Western Himalayan Silk Route - Himachal Watcher|date= 21 November 2019|access-date=2020-08-01}}</ref>

== Flora and fauna ==
[[File:Thomson Thistle Sissu Lahaul Jul16 D32 12821.jpg|thumb|''[[Cousinia]] thomsonii'' (Thomson thistle), [[Sissu]], Lahaul|left]]
The harsh conditions of Lahaul permit only scattered tufts of hardy grasses and shrubs to grow, even below {{convert|4|km|ft|abbr=on}}. Glacier lines are usually found at {{convert|5|km|ft|abbr=on}}. Due to changes in climate, people in the Lahaul valley are able to grow some vegetables like cabbages, potatoes, green peas, radishes, tomatoes, carrots and leafy vegetables. The main cash crops are potatoes, cabbages, and green peas.

Some of the most common species of flora found in the Valley of Spiti include ''[[Cousinia]] thomsonii'', ''[[Seseli]] trilobum'', ''Crepis flexuosa'', ''[[Caragana]] brevifolia'' and ''[[Krascheninnikovia ceratoides]]''. There are over 62 species of medicinal plants found there as well.

Several species of [[juniper]] grow in the valley, noted for their adaptation to the cold desert climate conditions. They are used by local people for religious purposes and for subsistence. The juniper forests are threatened by overuse and habitat degradation.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rawat |first1=Yashwant Singh |last2=Everson |first2=Colin |title=Ecological Status and Uses of Juniper Species in the ColdDesert Environment of the Lahaul Valley, North-westernHimalaya, India |journal=Journal of Mountain Science |date=2012 |volume=9 |issue=5 |pages=676–686 |doi=10.1007/s11629-012-2274-0 |s2cid=129730525 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230997176 |access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref>

The valley is inhabited by [[snow leopard]]s,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://raachotrekkers.com/spiti-snow-leopard-trail-winter-in-kinnaur-spiti/|title=Snow Leopard Sightings Rising in Spiti valley|website=Raacho Trekkers|date=2 February 2022 }}</ref> [[fox]]es [[ibex]], [[Himalayan brown bear]], [[Musk Deer|musk deer]], and Himalayan blue sheep. Snow leopards are protected within the [[Pin Valley National Park]] and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. The Lingti plains are home to animals such as [[yaks]] and [[dzo]]s.

Over-hunting and a decrease in food supplies have led to a large reduction in the population of the [[Tibetan antelope]], [[argali]], [[kiang]]s, musk deer, and snow leopards in these regions, reducing them to the status of endangered species. The locals of Spiti do not hunt these wild animals due to their religious beliefs.

==Demographics==
[[File:Gandhala- mother & child 28-6-04.jpg|thumb|left|180 px|Mother and child near [[Gandhola Monastery]], 2004]]

According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], the Lahaul and Spiti district has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 31,564. This gives it a ranking of 638th in India (out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]]).<ref name=districtcensus/> The district has a population density of {{convert|2|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}.<ref name=districtcensus/> Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001-2011 was -5%.<ref name=districtcensus/> Lahul and Spiti has a [[sex ratio]] of 903 females for every 1000 males, and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 76.81%. The entire population is rural. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 7.08% and 81.44% of the population respectively.<ref name=districtcensus/>

{{Pie chart
|caption = Languages of Lahaul and Spiti district (2011)<ref name="languages"/>
|label1 = [[Kinnauri language|Kinnauri]] |value1 = 40.88 |color1 = mediumblue
|label2 = [[Pattani language|Pattani]] |value2 = 26.52 |color2 = steelblue
|label3 = [[Bhotia language|Bhotia]] |value3 = 2.99 |color3 = lightskyblue
|label4 = [[Hindi]] |value4 = 2.86 |color4 = orange
|label5 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]] |value5 = 2.82 |color5 = purple
|label6 = [[Tibetic languages|Tibetan]] |value6 = 2.57 |color6 = lightsteelblue
|label7 = [[Kurukh language|Kurukh]] |value7 = 2.40 |color7 = limegreen
|label8 = [[Western Pahari|Pahari]] |value8 = 1.97 |color8 = red
|label9 = Mahili |value9 = 1.49 |color9 = darkturquoise
|label10 = Halam |value10 = 1.20 |color10 = cornflowerblue
|label11 = Others |value11 = 14.30 |color11 = grey
|thumb = left
}}

The district has {{sigfig|40.8757|2}}% of its population speaking [[Kinnauri language|Kinnauri]], {{sigfig|26.5207|2}}% [[Pattani language|Pattani]], {{sigfig|2.9876|2}}% [[Bhotia language|Bhotia]], {{sigfig|2.8609|2}}% [[Hindi]], {{sigfig|2.8197|2}}% [[Nepali language|Nepali]] and {{sigfig|2.5504|2}}% [[Tibetan languages|Tibetan]] as their first language.<ref name="languages">{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Himachal Pradesh |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10205/download/13317/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0200.XLSX|website=www.censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

The language, culture, and populations of Lahaul and Spiti are closely related. Generally, the Lahaulis are of [[Tibetan people|Tibetan]] and [[Indo-Aryans|Indo-Aryan]] descent, while the Spiti [[Bhot]] is closer to the Tibetans, owing to their proximity to Tibet. The district has a Himachal Pradesh state legislative law in place to curb antique looting by travelers given past incidents. In the pre-independence era, the ethnic tribal belt was divided into the British Lahaul and the Chamba Lahaul, which was merged with Punjab post-1947. This is the second-largest district in the Indian union.

The language spoken by both the Lahauli and Spiti Bhots is [[Bhoti Kinnauri|Bhoti]], a [[Tibetic languages|Tibetic]] language of the [[Lahuli–Spiti languages|Western Innovative subgroup]]. They are very similar to the [[Ladakh]] I and [[Tibetan people|Tibetans]] culturally, as they had been placed under the rule of the [[Guge]] and [[Ladakh]] kingdoms at occasional intervals.

Among the Lahaulis, the family acts as the basic unit of kinship. The extended family system is common and evolved from the [[polyandry|polyandric]] system of the past. The family is headed by a senior male member, known as the Yunda, while his wife, known as the Yundamo, attains authority by being the oldest member of the generation. The [[clan]] system, also known as Rhus, plays another major role in the Lahauli society.

The Spiti [[Bhot]] community has an inheritance system that is otherwise unique to the Tibetans. Upon the death of both parents, only the eldest son will inherit the family property, while the eldest daughter inherits the mother's jewelry, and the younger siblings inherit nothing. Men usually fall back on the social security system of the [[Himalayas|Trans-Himalayan]] Gompas.

{{historical populations|11=1901|12=12,392|13=1911|14=12,981|15=1921|16=12,836|17=1931|18=13,733|19=1941|20=14,594|21=1951|22=15,338|23=1961|24=23,682|25=1971|26=27,568|27=1981|28=32,100|29=1991|30=31,294|31=2001|32=33,224|33=2011|34=31,564|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901]</ref>|align=right}}

===Lifestyle===
The lifestyles of the Lahauli and Spiti Bhot are similar, owing to their proximity. [[Polyandry]] was widely practised by the Lahaulis in the past, although this practice has been dying out. The Spiti Bhot does not generally practice polyandry anymore, although it is accepted in a few isolated regions.

Divorces are accomplished by a simple ceremony performed in the presence of village elders. Divorce can be sought by either partner. The husband has to pay compensation to his ex-wife if she does not remarry. However, this is uncommon among the Lahaulis.

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood. Potato farming is common. Occupations include animal husbandry, working in government programs and services, and other businesses and crafts that include weaving. Houses are constructed in the Tibetan architectural style, as the land in Lahul and Spiti is mountainous and quite prone to earthquakes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://lahaulspititravel.com/references/|title=References - Lahaul Spiti Travel - Lahaul Spiti Tourist Guide|work=Lahaul Spiti Travel - Lahaul Spiti Tourist Guide|access-date=2018-05-28|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Religion===
[[File:1000 Year loop.jpg|right|thumb|[[Key Monastery|Ki-Gompa]] overlooking the Spiti River, Spiti]]

{{bar box
|title=Religions in Lahaul and Spiti district (2011)<ref name="religion">{{Cite web|date=2011|title=Table C-01 Population by Religion: Himachal Pradesh|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11375/download/14488/DDW02C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh|Buddhism]]|yellow|62.01}}
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|36.91}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]]|dodgerblue|0.67}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.41}}
|caption=Distribution of religions
}}

Most of the Lahaulis follow a combination of [[Hinduism]] and [[Tibetan Buddhism]] of the [[Drukpa Kagyu]] order, while the Spiti Bhotia follow [[Tibetan Buddhism]] of the [[Gelugpa]] order. Within Lahaul, the Todh-Gahr (upper region of Lahaul towards Ladakh) region had the strongest Buddhist influence, owing to its close proximity to Spiti.

Before the spread of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] and [[Hinduism]], the people were adherents of the religion 'Lung Pe Chhoi', an animistic religion that had some affinities with the [[Bön]] the religion of [[Tibet]]. While the religion flourished, animal and human sacrifices were regularly offered up to the 'Iha', a term that refers to evil spirits residing in the natural world, notably in the old pencil-cedar trees, rocks, and caves. Vestiges of the Lung Pe Chhoi religion can be seen in the behavior of the [[Lama]]s, who are believed to possess certain supernatural powers.

The [[Losar]] festival (also known as Halda in Lahauli) is celebrated between the months of January and February. The date of the celebration is decided by the [[Lama]]s. It has the same significance as the [[Diwali]] festival of [[Hinduism]], but is celebrated in a Tibetan fashion.

At the start of the festival, two or three persons from every household will walk in the procession holding burning incense. The burning sticks are then piled into a bonfire. The people will then pray to Shiskar Apa, the goddess of wealth (another name [[Vasudhara]]) in the Buddhist religion.

==== Buddhist monasteries ====
Spiti is one of the important centers of Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh. It is popularly known as the 'land of lamas'. The valley is dotted by numerous Buddhist Monasteries or Gompas. These are some of the important monasteries in the Lahul and Spiti valleys.

'''Kye Monastery:''' [[Kye Monastery]] is one of the main learning centers of Buddhist studies in Spiti. The monastery is home to some 100-odd monks who receive their education here. It is the oldest and biggest monastery in Spiti. It houses rare paintings and scriptures of Buddha and other gods and goddesses. There are also rare 'Thangka' paintings and ancient musical instruments 'like trumpets, cymbals, and drums in the monastery.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

'''Tabo Monastery:''' Perched at an altitude of 3050 meters, Tabo Monastery is often referred to as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'. It is located 45  km from [[Kaza, Himachal Pradesh]], the capital of the Spiti region. This monastery garnered interest when it celebrated its thousandth year of existence in 1996. The Tabo Monastery was founded by scholar Richen Zangpo. The monastery houses more than 60 lamas and contains a collection of rare scriptures, pieces of art, and wall paintings - Thankas, and Stucco. There is a modern guest house with a dining hall and amenities.

'''Kardang Monastery:'''
[[Kardang Monastery]], is located at an elevation of 3,500 meters across the river, about 8 km from [[Keylong]]. Kardang is well connected by the road via the Tandi bridge which is about 14 km from Keylong. Built-in the 12th century, this monastery houses a large library of Buddhist literature including the main [[Kangyur]] and [[Tangyur]] scriptures.

== Tourism ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2017}}
The natural scenery and numerous Buddhist monasteries are the main tourist attractions of the region.

The dangerous weather in Lahaul and Spiti permits visitors only between the months of June to October when the roads and villages are free of snow and the high passes (Rothang La and Kunzum La) are open. It is possible to access Spiti from [[Kinnaur]] (along the Sutlej) all through the year, although the road is sometimes temporarily closed by landslides or avalanches.

=== Adventure tourism===
'''To-do-Trails:'''
The Spiti Valley is popular with trekkers due to the challenging nature of its treks. These treks take people to remote areas including rural villages and old Gompas, as well as wildlife trails. High-altitude treks allow travelers to cross passes such as Parangla Pass (connecting Ladakh with Spiti Valley), Pin Parvati Pass, Baba Pass, Hamta Pass trek, and Spiti Left Bank Trek. Popular trekking routes in the area include Kaza-Langza-Hikim-Komic-Kaza, Kaza-Ki-Kibber-Gete-Kaza, Kaza-Losar-Kunzum La, and Kaza-Tabo-Sumdo-Nako.

'''Skiing:'''
Skiing is a popular activity with tourists in Spiti.

'''Yak Safari:'''
[[Yak]] rides are used to see the flora and fauna of the trans-Himalayan desert.

==Politics==

{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Member
!Picture
!colspan="2"|Party
|-
|[[1967 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1967]]
|Dunichand Singh Thakur ||
|{{Full party name with color|Independent (politician)}}
|-
|[[1972 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1972]]
|[[Lata Thakur]]||
|{{Full party name with color|Indian National Congress}}
|-
|[[1977 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1977]]
||Dunichand Singh Thakur ||rowspan=3|
|{{Full party name with color|Janata Party}}
|-
|-
|[[1982 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1982]]
|{{Full party name with color|Indian National Congress|rowspan=2}}
|-
|[[1985 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1985]]
|-
|[[1990 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1990]]
|rowspan=2|[[Phunchog Rai]] ||rowspan=2|
|{{Full party name with color|Indian National Congress|rowspan=2}}
|-
|[[1993 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1993]]
|-
|[[1998 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1998]]
| [[Ram Lal Markanda]] ||
|{{Full party name with color|Himachal Vikas Congress}}
|-
|[[2003 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|2003]]
|Raghbir Singh Thakur ||
|{{Full party name with color|Indian National Congress}}
|-
|[[2007 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|2007]]
| [[Ram Lal Markanda]] ||
|{{Full party name with color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}
|-
|[[2012 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|2012]]
|Ravi Thakur ||
|{{Full party name with color|Indian National Congress}}
|-
|[[2017 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|2017]]
| [[Ram Lal Markanda]]<ref name=election2017>{{cite web |url=https://eci.gov.in/files/file/3815-himachal-pradesh-general-legislative-election-2017/ |title=Himachal Pradesh General Legislative Election 2017 |author=Election Commission of India |access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref> ||
|{{Full party name with color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}
|-
|[[2022 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|2022]]
| [[Ravi Thakur]]<ref name=election2022>{{cite web |url=https://eci.gov.in/files/file/14751-himachal-pradesh-general-legislative-election-2022/ |title=Himachal Pradesh General Legislative Election 2022 |author=Election Commission of India |access-date=8 July 2022}}</ref> ||
|{{Full party name with color|Indian National Congress}}
|-
|}
{{transcluded section|source=13th Himachal Pradesh Assembly}}
{{#section:13th Himachal Pradesh Assembly|MLA Header}}
{{#section:13th Himachal Pradesh Assembly|Lahaul and Spiti district}}
|}

== Gallery ==
=== Bhaga valley===
From [[Bara-lacha la|Baralacha La]] to the confluence at Tandi, Lahaul.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="120">
File:Baralacha Pass.jpg|alt=|[[Bara-lacha la]] pass between Lahaul and [[Ladakh]]
File:Deepak Taal.jpg|Deepak Taal, en route to [[Bara-lacha la]]
File:Jankar Nala Rarik Oct20 D72 18292.jpg|alt=|Road from Lahaul to [[Zanskar]], [[Ladakh]]
File:Prayer Hall Gemur Gompa Lahaul Oct20 R16 04265.jpg|alt=|Prayer hall, [[Gemur Monastery]], Lahaul
File:Jhulla Farmer Bhaga Gemur Lahaul Himachal Oct20 D72 18341.jpg|alt=|Farmer crosses Bhaga on jhulla, Gemur
File:Thenu Lahaul Himachal Jul16 D32 13040.jpg|alt=|Thenu village on the Bhaga River, Lahaul
</gallery>

===Chandra-Bhaga ([[Chenab River|Chenab]]) valley===
From the confluence of the [[Chenab River|Chandra]] and [[Chenab River|Bhaga]] rivers at Tandi to [[Chamba district]] border downstream of Udaipur, Lahaul
<gallery mode="packed" heights="120">
File:Villages Chenab Udaipur Lahaul Himachal Jul19 D72 10963.jpg|alt=|Villages on the Chandra-Bhaga near Udaipur, Lahul
File:Cherry Trees Udaipur Himachal Jul19 D72 10993.jpg|alt=|Ripe cherries for harvesting, Udaipur
File:Bee Hives Udaipur Himachal Jul19 D72 10975.jpg|alt=|Bee hives for wildflower honey, Udaipur
</gallery>

===Chandra valley===
From the confluence at Tandi to Kunzum La separating Lahaul and Spiti
<gallery mode="packed" heights="120">
File:Gondla Fort Lahaul D32 13430.jpg|alt=|[[Gandhola Monastery|Gondla]] Fort
File:Wildflowers Mountains Sissu Lahaul Jul19 D72 10447.jpg|alt=|Wildflowers and mountains, Sissu, Lahaul
File:Ghepan Monastery Stupa Sissu Lahaul Oct20 D72 18646.jpg|alt=|Ghepan Monastery stupa, Sissu
File:Ghepan Monastery Prayer Stones Sissu Lahaul Oct20 D72 18647.jpg|alt=|Prayer stone, Ghepan Monastery, Sissu
File:Chandra Tributary Rohtang Lahaul Jul19 D72 10383.jpg|Tributary of Chandra River from [[Rohtang Pass]]
File:Chandratal 1.JPG|alt=|[[Chandra Taal]] near the source of the [[Chandra river|Chandra River]]
File:Kunzum Pass between Lahaul & Spiti.jpg|[[Kunzum Pass]] between Lahul and Spiti
</gallery>

===Spiti valley===
From Kunzum La to the border with [[Kinnaur district]] at Sumdo, Spiti.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="120">
File:Losar Jun18 D72 7824.jpg|[[Losar Khas]], first village on the [[Spiti|Spiti river]]
File:Kibber Spiti Himachal Jun18 D72 7488.jpg|alt=|Kibber village and wildlife sanctuary, Spiti
File:Pea Plants Mudh Spiti Himachal Jun18 D72 7222.jpg|alt=|Pea plants, [[Mud village, Spiti]]
File:Pin Valley Spiti Himachal Jun18 D72 7092.jpg|alt=|Pin river valley, Spiti
File:Yellow-billed chough Pin Valley Spiti Himachal Jun18 D72 7201.jpg|[[Alpine chough|Yellow-billed chough]], Pin Valley
File:Grave yard of lamas of tabo monastery.JPG|Graveyard of lamas, [[Tabo Monastery]], Spiti
</gallery>

== See also ==
*[[List of highest towns by country]]
*[[Lahuli–Spiti languages]]
*[[Lahuli language (disambiguation)]]
*[[Spiti Bhoti]]
*[[Lahul Lohar language]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* Ciliberto, Jonathan. (2013). [https://web.archive.org/web/20180522070453/http://jonciliberto.com/spiti/index.html "Six Weeks in the Spiti Valley"]. Circle B Press. 2013. Atlanta. {{ISBN|978-0-9659336-6-7}}
* Handa, O. C. (1987). ''Buddhist Monasteries in Himachal Pradesh''. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi. {{ISBN|81-85182-03-5}}.
* Hutchinson, J. & J. PH Vogel (1933). ''History of the Panjab Hill States'', Vol. II. (1st ed) Lahore: Govt. Printing, Punjab, 1933. Reprint 2000. Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh. Chapter X Lahaul, pp. 474–483; Spiti, pp. 484–488.
* {{Anchor|BiblioKapadia99}} Kapadia, Harish. (1999). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=lOzHDG7NfooC Spiti: Adventures in the Trans-Himalaya]''. 2nd ed. New Delhi: Indus Publishing Company. {{ISBN|81-7387-093-4}}.
* Janet Rizvi. (1996). ''Ladakh: Crossroads of High Asia. Second Edition''. Oxford University Press, Delhi. {{ISBN|0-19-564546-4}}.
* Cunningham, Alexander. (1854). LADĀK: Physical, Statistical, and Historical with Notices of the Surrounding Countries. London. Reprint: Sagar Publications (1977).
* Francke, A. H. (1977). ''A History of Ladakh''. (Originally published as, A History of Western Tibet, (1907). 1977 Edition with critical introduction and annotations by S. S. Gergan & F. M. Hassnain. Sterling Publishers, New Delhi.
* Francke, A. H. (1914). ''Antiquities of Indian Tibet''. Two Volumes. Calcutta. 1972 reprint: S. Chand, New Delhi.
* Banach, Benti (2010). 'A Village Called Self-Awareness, life and times in Spiti Valley'. Vajra Publications, Kathmandu {{ISBN|9937506441}}.

== External links ==
{{commons category|Lahul and Spiti district}}
* {{wikivoyage-inline|Lahaul and Spiti}}
* [http://hplahaulspiti.nic.in/ Official Website of the district]

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Lahaul and Spiti district
|North = [[Kargil district]], [[Ladakh]]
|Northeast = [[Leh district]], [[Ladakh]]
|East = ''[[China]]''
|Southeast = [[Kinnaur district]]
|South = [[Kullu district]]
|Southwest = [[Kangra district]]
|West = [[Chamba district]]
|Northwest = [[Kishtwar district]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
}}

{{Lahaul and Spiti}}
{{Geo HP}}
{{Districts of Himachal Pradesh}}
{{Kullu Manali Circuit}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Lahaul and Spiti district| ]]
[[Category:1960 establishments in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Tourism in Himachal Pradesh]]

Lahaul and Spiti district - Revision history

Ajay Kumar at 16:47, 29 August 2023